1998 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

The Ferrari F355 is a modern classic, so beautiful, so well-engineered and so well received that it marked the beginning of the end of the old-guard 'Ferraristi' philosophy that the only "real" Ferraris were ones with 12-cylinder engines. The Ferrari F355 Berlinetta and Targa GTS burst onto the world stage in the spring of 1994. It had almost exactly the same dimensions as its predecessor the 348, yet it was virtually a new car, as its stunning coachwork indicated. Many hours of wind tunnel testing influenced the harmonious shape which incorporated an F1 style flat bottom with an air flow channel that generated enough down-force to offset any lift.

The longitudinally mounted 3496cc V8 had a stunning 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8,250 rpm. The gearbox now had six speeds with a new type of synchromesh that made it much easier to shift. New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface. Around Ferrari's 1.86 mile Fiorano test track the 355 was two seconds a lap faster than the 12-cylinder 512 TR and that level of performance combined with its sensational shape made it a worldwide success story.

From the same home as the flared arch Ferrari Dino 246 GT in this sale, we are delighted to also offer this manual Ferrari F355 Berlinetta for the first time ever. Supplied new to our vendor by Mortimer Houghton Turner Ltd on 20th March 1998, this stunning, right-hand drive, UK delivered example is finished in Rosso Corsa with a Nero Black leather interior and black carpets.  

The service book was stamped on 9th January 2006 by Alan Aston Motor Engineers of Evesham, at which point the car had covered just 2,501 miles and, according to their invoice for £2,708 in the file, the car was fully serviced with new cambelts and replacement brake and clutch fluid. Another invoice in the file from Dick Lovett Swindon in 2008 shows the car received some maintenance and rectification work totalling £2,984. They were entrusted with the 355 again in 2010, and on this occasion, the air-conditioning compressor was overhauled and the car was fully detailed. 

Having covered minimal mileage in the last few years, we would strongly recommend to prospective purchasers of this car that it be sent for a full service including fresh fluids, belts and filters as a minimum requirement before venturing out onto the roads. 

Supplied with an MOT until 14th October '17, a full tool kit, tyre inflator, bespoke car cover, and leather book pack containing all the relevant manuals, this stunning F355 Berlinetta is now indicating, what we believe to be a genuine, 7,017 miles. Rarely do single-ownership examples of one of Pininfarina's finest designs in such excellent condition come to market, and this one will certainly not disappoint.